Another Viewpoint: Gov. Scott champions an affordable education
Daytona Beach News-Journal
Editorial
February 3, 2017
Compared to other states, Florida already offers a bargain in higher education. Gov. Rick Scott wants to make college even more affordable.
Scott last month unveiled proposals to freeze tuition at state colleges (it’s already frozen at state universities), cap fees at colleges and universities, expand Bright Futures scholarships to cover summer classes and eliminate sales taxes on required textbooks.
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Average in-state tuition at Florida universities runs about $6,000 a year, below the national average of $9,650. When you add the costs of attendance, which include room and board, technology and books, Florida’s total swells to $21,000 annually.
That’s over $80,000 to earn a four-year degree – and only 44 percent of undergraduate students at the state’s universities graduate within four years. Of course, additional years cost additional money. The sooner a student graduates, the cheaper his college bill will be.
Thus would Scott’s proposal to have Bright Futures cover the cost of summer school help students graduate either on time or earlier.
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Scott’s latest plans reflect his ongoing commitment to make college affordability a priority. Last year he signed into law legislation that requires the Board of Governors to come up with ways to promote college affordability, such as making the costs of textbooks and other course materials publicly available to students before they register for a class, so they can factor that information in when they’re selecting courses. It also requires colleges and universities to adopt policies that will make textbooks more affordable. Previously, he has challenged schools to offer $10,000 degrees, and one year vetoed appropriations at colleges that had raised tuition.
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Regardless of the details, what’s most important and encouraging is that Tallahassee is trying to control costs by holding the line on prices and by ensuring that students don’t buy more than they absolutely have to.
ICYMI
ICYMI: Fant appoints Daniels to Jacksonville Security and Emergency Preparedness Council
Duval County Legislative Delegation Chair Jay Fant announced today the appointment of Representative Kimberly Daniels to the Jacksonville Security and Emergency Preparedness Planning Council. Daniels was elected last year to represent District 14 in the Florida House of Representatives.
“Keeping our residents safe is one of the foremost responsibilities of government, and it is absolutely vital that we do everything possible to prepare for natural disasters and other threats to our area’s security,” said Fant. “As a former Jacksonville City Councilwoman, Representative Daniels knows the ropes and will be a strong voice on these important issues. I look forward to working with her and other officials at every level of government to ensure that we are ready to go when the need arises.”
Daniels serves on the Energy and Utilities Subcommittee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee in the Florida House of Representatives.
Fant has represented District 15 in the Florida House of Representatives since 2014 and was chosen by his fellow area legislators to chair the Duval delegation for 2017. In addition to Fant and Daniels, the Duval legislative delegation includes Senators Aaron Bean (District 4) and Audrey Gibson (District 6) and Representatives Cord Byrd (District 11), Tracie Davis (District 13), Jason Fischer (District 16), and Clay Yarborough (District 12).
About Jay Fant for State Representative
Jay Fant’s strong ties to Jacksonville began when his grandfather’s family moved to the city in 1920. Jay’s father and grandfather have been local business and civic leaders, with both having served in elected office. In 1947, the family started First Guaranty Bank, one of the oldest banks in the city. In 1994, Jay was elected to serve on the board and led the company with his father through 2012. Jay has done much to continue the family tradition of investing in the community. He has been involved with many different organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Healthy U Now Foundation, Rotary, and the Florida Bankers Association. Jay and his wife, Lauren, have two sons and two daughters. They attend St. Johns Presbyterian Church. In his spare time, he coaches little league baseball and basketball.
ON THE WEB: www.jayfant.com
Paid by Jay Fant, Republican, for State Representative
ICYMI: WTLV: Gov. Scott’s proposed budget includes $618 million in tax cuts for families and small businesses
“Gov. Scott’s Proposed Budget Includes $618 Million in Tax Cuts for Families and Small Businesses”
WTLV-JAX (NBC) – Jacksonville, FL
February 1, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
ICYMI: WFOX: Gov. Scott proposes pay raise for officers
“Gov. Scott Proposes Pay Raise for Officers”
WFOX – Jacksonville, FL
January 31, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
ICYMI: WWSB: Gov. Scott fights to cut fees for seniors, veterans and businesses
“Gov. Scott Fights to Cut Fees for Seniors, Veterans and Businesses”
WWSB (ABC) – Tampa Bay, FL
January 31, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
ICYMI: ABC Action News: Gov. Scott unveils $83.5 billion budget
“Gov. Scott Unveils $83.5 Billion Budget”
WFTS-TB (ABC Action News) – Tampa Bay, FL
January 31, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
ICYMI: Fant Appoints Bean to Waterways Commission
Duval County Legislative Delegation Chair Jay Fant announced today the appointment of Senator Aaron Bean to the Jacksonville Waterways Commission. Bean was elected to the Florida Senate from District 4 in 2012.
“Senator Bean’s legislative experience and his commitment to sound stewardship of our water resources will make him an outstanding and important voice on the Waterways Commission,” said Fant. “Our waterways are one of our most precious natural resources and they are absolutely critical to the growth of our economy and the health of our environment.”
Prior to serving in the Senate, Bean represented a Jacksonville area district in the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2008. He currently chairs the Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice and is Vice Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government.
Fant has represented District 15 in the Florida House of Representatives since 2014 and was chosen by his fellow area legislators to chair the Duval delegation for 2017. In addition to Fant and Bean, the Duval legislative delegation includes Senator Audrey Gibson (District 6) and Representatives Cord Byrd (District 11), Kim Daniels (District 14), Tracie Davis (District 13), Jason Fischer (District 16), and Clay Yarborough (District 12).
About Jay Fant for State Representative
Jay Fant’s strong ties to Jacksonville began when his grandfather’s family moved to the city in 1920. Jay’s father and grandfather have been local business and civic leaders, with both having served in elected office. In 1947, the family started First Guaranty Bank, one of the oldest banks in the city. In 1994, Jay was elected to serve on the board and led the company with his father through 2012. Jay has done much to continue the family tradition of investing in the community. He has been involved with many different organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Healthy U Now Foundation, Rotary, and the Florida Bankers Association. Jay and his wife, Lauren, have two sons and two daughters. They attend St. Johns Presbyterian Church. In his spare time, he coaches little league baseball and basketball.
ICYMI: CNN – Rick Scott: GOP shouldn't hesitate to repeal Obamacare
Rick Scott: GOP shouldn’t hesitate to repeal Obamacare
CNN
Governor Rick Scott
January 27, 2017
To read the full op-ed, click HERE.
ICYMI: WPTV: Gov. Scott Proposes $618 Million Tax Cut Plan
“Gov. Scott Proposes $618 Million Tax Cut Plan”
WPTV (NBC) – West Palm Beach, FL
January 26, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
ICYMI: Tallahassee Democrat: Tear Down the Alcohol Separation Wall
With a full week of back-to-back committee meetings, you may have missed a timely op-ed authored by Julio Fuentes, president and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. His piece ran in the Tallahassee Democrat and is entitled “Level Playing Field on Alcohol Sales Law.”
In his column, Mr. Fuentes encourages a repeal of the Prohibition-era Alcohol Separation Law, which prohibits distilled spirits from being sold in the same location as groceries and other goods. He cites a crucial need to adapt to a growing and convenient online marketplace, asking lawmakers to give business owners the tools to compete by removing outdated and unnecessary regulations.
Level Playing Field on Alcohol Sales Laws
By: Julio Fuentes
Technology has completely transformed today’s society. In 2016, Black Friday saw more customers shopping online than in retail stores for the first time. This is not a one-time occurrence, but a shift in societal norms – Brick and Mortar retailers will never surpass online sales again in our lifetime.
So, how do traditional retailers remain competitive? One way to meet the demands of a changing marketplace is found in legislation the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce supports to repeal the antiquated Alcohol Separation Law, which was passed more than 80 years ago. This law requires that distilled spirits be sold in a separate location from groceries – creating unnecessary burdens and increasing costs on both consumers and businesses. If passed, this bill will reduce governmental regulation and allow all retailers to stand on equal footing. Not to mention, Floridians will no longer need to stop at two separate locations when grocery shopping.
In this day and age, mobile apps, online stores and delivery services make it easier than ever to shop from home with just the click of a button. That said, traditional retail stores looking to compete with the ease of online shopping must be more creative and flexible to offer something the consumer can’t get online. If you look at traditional retailers that are thriving, it’s because they’re offering something you can’t find online, whether that be personal shopping or tap rooms who offer growlers for sale.
A great example of adapting to the changing marketplace and advances in technology is ABC Liquors, coincidentally one of the leading opponents to this legislation. To provide a more convenient shopping experience for their customers, the retailer partnered with mobile app Drizly to offer one-hour alcohol delivery straight to the customer’s doorstep. An ABC regional manager was recently quoted as saying, “It’s another way for us to get our products into our guests’ hands. It’s the way society is going and it’s just a convenience.”
We couldn’t agree more. So the question remains, why would ABC advocate for convenience for some customers, but oppose it for others?
The bill is nothing more than a fairness issue. All we’re asking for is a level playing field for all retailers, rather than shackling outdated and unnecessary regulations that can keep competition out of the marketplace.
At the FSHCC, we support opportunities to empower our state’s hardworking Hispanic business owners. We must give these businesses the tools to compete on a level playing field, not keep them out of the marketplace by an antiquated law. The free market should decide what retailers stock on their shelves.
Julio Fuentes is the president and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Floridians for Fair Business Practices is a coalition of retailers and business groups whose purpose is to identify rules and regulations, which prohibit the growth and expansion of Florida business. For additional information, please visit to www.FairBizinFlorida.com.